The resolution authored by Council members Ryan Walters and Liz Lovelett calls on the U.S. Dept. of Transportation to adopt rules for rail car safety and disclosure of railway and rail bridge inspections.
The motion, which passed 7-0, received Council Matt Miller’s support after the Council approved a request that the Mayor write a letter to the County in support of the Shell expansion plans, which include a new rail yard to accept Bakken cruise oil from North Dakota similar to what the Tesoro refinery is already doing.
Miller wanted the letter of support because he was concerned that the resolution urging improved safety standards, “seems prejudicial to Shell’s project.”
Council member Brad Adams said he supported the resolution, but added, “BNSF needs to reach out and talk to the public” about the condition of rail lines. BNSF is the rail line that is handling the crude trains to Anacortes.
Tom Rizzo, the general manager of the Shell refinery, told a reporter that Shell is all about safety.